The Progressive and Regressive Future of Social Security

William A. Galston neglects to discuss is the fact that Social Security benefits are already highly progressive.

July 22, 2014 5:20 p.m. ET

In "The Hard Numbers on Social Security" (Politics & Ideas, July 16), William A. Galston discusses several reasons why Social Security reform is necessary but difficult to enact.

But Mr. Galston neglects to discuss the fact that Social Security benefits are already highly progressive. The $250,000 earner who Mr. Galston said paid less than half the rate (5.9%) of the $50,000 earner (12.4%), would receive about a $32,800 annual benefit at age 66 under current formulas. The $50,000 earner would receive about...